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- The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945

Luftwaffe
M1935 Double Decal Combat Helmet - Early Pattern Insignia

This
early dated (1937) M1935 Luftwaffe helmet bears one of the
pre-war patterned
"Luftwaffe Adler" (or eagle) insignia. Several different varieties
of this early eagle insignia exist, of which the the one shown on this
helmet is the most common. Many collectors refer to this insignia as
the "droop tailed" eagle. In addition, the style of the eagle can also
be described further as "straight legged droop tail." This helmet
bears an early dome stamp date and was manufactured by the
ET or Thale plant in Esslingen, Germany.
This firm served as the leading producer of helmets throughout World War II
and manufactured Army, Navy and Air Force helmets in the early years prior
to 1939. This helmet also bears the inscribed name of the former
soldier who wore it on the inside flange under the visor and at the rear.
Collectors should note the insignia is factory applied and varnished and the
helmet's color a very dark blue-gray. This helmet was acquired from a
family estate in the USA where it remained in storage for many years after
it arrived in the USA as a war souvenir.